The actual Green Point Park, a 12,5 ha area within the Common, will be a public access space for recreation and social interaction within a peaceful, green context. Water from the historic artesian springs will be introduced into the park in ways that create gathering spaces where people can see, hear, touch and be educated about the water.
Channels and spillways will feed into low-lying ponds, which in turn will feed into a Biodiversity garden and a Wetlands garden. “There’s a strong focus on ecological awareness, sustainable practices and environmental interdependence. It’s all about learning to live lightly on the earth and there’s just no way we could’ve justified what we have created, if we’d been restricted to using only domestic water.
The Biodiversity show garden has stirred quite a lot of interest and has been chosen to host the opening of the International Organisation of Biodiversity on World Biodiversity Day, 22 May, 2010, which will coincide with the official opening of the Park.
“Long ago, the winter rains would turn Green Point Common into a low-lying vlei, and an old photograph, taken around the 1900s, showed people actually yachting on the Common. Now, over a hundred years later, people will be able to come and sail model yachts on these spring water ponds. It’s lovely to know that somewhere, some old history has been restored, even if it’s in the smallest of ways.”
The public park will be open from sunrise to sunset every day of the year except when there is an event. No fee will be charged for the use of the public facility. It is envisaged that a fee will be charged for special events within the park.
SAIL Stadefrance (stadium operator) is the leaseholder of the stadium and Green Point Park
What kind of organised events will take place at the park
• The envisaged themes within the park could include an environmental park (bio-diversity garden, water-wheel, worm farms, wetland park, and water-wise garden); sustainable park (eco-centre and training facilities); learning park (training and skills transfer re: eco- centre and Green Futures training facility); play park (passive & recreational, disabled tot lot, and outdoor gymnasium); art park (exhibitions, specialist lectures and training); adventure park (cycling, outdoor climbing wall, and jungle gyms); events park (smaller outdoor concerts, farmers’ fresh produce market, crafts, dog shows, and flower shows); heritage park (Fort Wynyard, artifact exhibitions, etc).
This is the mini open-air amphitheater
The kiddies corner
Close to the entrance Drinking Water fountains
Come to think of it
they seem to be a little low
• Facilities envisaged could include a tea garden, Eco Café, biodiversity nursery, auditorium, events, bicycle hiring, and craft markets. These uses are strictly park-related and will be carefully managed and monitored using the Common
• Events could include the Cape Argus Pick n Pay Cycle Tour, Big Walk and Rugby Tens. Again, these will be carefully managed through the CMS.
No better place then having sundowners and dinner in
Wafu
after a walk in the park
